Donald Trump, a 2024 presidential candidate, is set to hold campaign rallies in Michigan and Wisconsin, two battleground states he narrowly lost to President Biden four years ago. Trump’s team plans to focus on what they describe as President Biden’s “Border Bloodbath” during the first stop in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This campaign swing comes as Trump prepares for his upcoming hush-money trial in New York City, scheduled to begin on April 15. The trial includes 34 state felony charges related to hush-money payments made to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election.
Throughout the Republican presidential primaries, Trump highlighted the various criminal and civil cases against him as he sought to cast himself as a victim, garnering support among GOP voters and boosting fundraising. Despite the legal challenges, Trump has resolutely denied falsifying business records and engaging in the alleged sexual encounter with Daniels. The former president is required to attend the court proceedings in his hush-money trial, which will effectively keep him grounded in New York City, his birthplace, for the duration of the trial. However, sources within Trump’s political orbit are working on a schedule that includes utilizing days when court is not in session, such as Wednesdays and weekends, for campaign events.
While Trump is largely off the campaign trail due to legal obligations, President Biden has been actively visiting key battleground states where he narrowly defeated Trump in the 2020 election. Biden’s trips aim to boost his poll numbers and differentiate himself from Trump, who has been preoccupied with court appearances. Trump’s upcoming trial is seen by his campaign team as an opportunity to gain an advantage over Biden, with campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt suggesting that Democrats want to confine Trump to a courtroom, preventing him from sharing his message with the American people. Despite the distractions of the trial, Trump is expected to attract media attention with his courtroom appearances and social media presence on his Truth Social platform.
Longtime Republican strategist Dave Carney noted that Trump’s ability to dominate the news cycle with his statements and actions is unparalleled, describing it as a phenomenon. Carney predicts that there will be significant media coverage of Trump’s court cases, potentially surpassing that of the president. Trump’s impact on the news environment through social media, cable TV, and broadcast coverage has been significant, allowing him to drive the campaign conversation and remain in the spotlight. As Trump navigates his legal challenges and campaign responsibilities, the upcoming hush-money trial presents an opportunity for him to connect with supporters and shape the narrative leading up to the 2024 election.
